Study in Canada
Know About Student Direct Stream in Canada
International students can apply for study permits more quickly through Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. Within 20 days, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will try to process applications from those using this program. Students can apply for SDS from 14 countries and the eligible countries are:
Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Vietnam.
Note, Citizens of the above countries who currently reside in another country will not be able to avail of SDS program benefits when applying for their study permit. Additionally, incomplete applications will be refused per IRCC regulations.
Student Direct Stream (SDS) Application Process
The application process for a study permit obtained through the SDS is very similar to the non-SDS study permit. To qualify, candidates must;
- Present a copy of a letter of acceptance to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Provide proof of valid language test results completed within 2 years of the date of application, showing either:
- An IELTS score of 6 or higher in each language skill;
- A TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7.
- Present proof of completion of the medical exam;
- Prove that they have a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $ 10,000.
- Must have paid the tuition fees for the first year of
- Submit the most recent secondary or post-secondary educational transcript
- Apply at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Additional documents that candidates will need to send with their application includes;
- Application for a study Permit form from outside of Canada form;
- Application for a temporary resident visa form.
Successful applicants will be given a letter of introduction from the Port of Entry and a Canadian study permit (temporary residence visa) in order to enter and study in Canada. Students who are enrolled full-time in an appropriate program from a DLI (one that is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate) and have a current study permit are permitted to work in Canada. Students are allowed to work full-time all year long on campus or part-time during regular semesters off campus. Students may also work in a co-op or internship placement if the program stipulates that they must work in order to complete their degree.
Please note that to work, students will require a Social Insurance Number (SIN). The SIN number is a unique 9-digit number that the Canadian government uses to check and categorize all residents—international students are eligible for a temporary SIN.
